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Conservative Judaism

Conservative Judaism

7.0
A branch of Judaism that keeps tradition but adapts some religious laws for modern life
  • proper noun
  • /kənˈsɜrvətɪv ˈdʒuːdɪzəm/
translation icon : judaísmo conservador
  • Robert Gordis, a congregational rabbi who had edited Conservative Judaism's revision of its prayer book,

Examples

  • Founded in the late 19th century, Conservative Judaism aims to balance tradition and contemporary beliefs.

  • Conservative Judaism emphasizes the importance of maintaining Conservative Judaism traditions while adapting practices for modern life.

  • Many families choose Conservative Judaism for its commitment to preserving cultural practices while encouraging critical thought in religious matters.

How Observant

Conservative Judaism
7.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

conservative + Judaism

The phrase is compositionally predictable: 'conservative' modifies 'Judaism' to indicate a form of Judaism that favors tradition and resists change. A B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer it refers to a traditional or preservation-minded branch of Judaism, even if they might not grasp the exact institutional placement between Orthodox and Reform.

Etymology

Conservative Judaism combines the word Conservative, meaning to 'keep' older customs, and Judaism, the religion of Jewish people. Think of it as a bridge: people wanted to keep core traditions but also allow some 'change' for modern life, so the name means a group that balances keeping and adapting.